30 teams in 30-ish or so days: Washington Nationals preview and prediction

Sonny Jones

Wednesday

Mar 27, 2013 at 12:01 AMMar 27, 2013 at 3:17 PM

Almost everyone previews "30 Teams in 30 Days," hustling like their rounding third with the winning run in Game 7 of the World Series. Called Third Strike only guarantees to preview all 30 Major League Baseball teams in "30-ish" days. Hey, we all need a break. Team previews are done in alphabetical order. Your thoughts are welcomed and encouraged. Team: Washington Nationals National League East 98-64, 1st place Dan Haren, P; Rafael Soriano, P; Denard Span, OF Mike Morse, OF; Jesus Flores, C; Edwin Jackson, P; Sean Burnett, P; Mike Gonzalez, P; Tom Gorzelanny, P Why the Nationals can win Stephen Strasburg should be ready to pitch the entire season. Dan Haren has replaced Edwin Jackson in the starting rotation. Gio Gonzalez is among the best pitchers in baseball. Rafael Soriano has been brought in to replace Tyler Clippard as the closer, but Clippard is still around just in case as is Drew Storen.

The addition of Denard Span to play center allows Bryce Harper to move to left. Offensively, the Nationals may well be better than a season ago, and they were pretty good last season. Itís hard to find a weakness with this club. Why the Nationals won't win Washington certainly wonít sneak up on teams this season. Expectations were high last season, but the Nationals hadnít actually accomplished much on the field. That changed last season with an NL East title. Can the Nationals handle being the hunted?

Currently, the Nationals lack left-handed relief with Gorzelanny, Gonzalez and Burnett gone, but weíre getting nit-picky now. Washington can certainly pick up a lefty to go along with Zach Duke in the bullpen if needed. Player to watch Ian Desmond: He became an integral part of the Nationalsí lineup last season as he solidified his spot as the starting shortstop. Desmond had career highs in batting average (.292), home runs (25), and RBIs (73). He also stole 21 bases and represented Washington in the All-Star game. 93-69 1st in NL East Related

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